“EDA sa qaqa….we have overcome.”
This is a well-known hymn that is often sung by local clubs and national 7s reps in a rugby sevens tournament internationally and locally after a match, despite a win or a loss.
After 13 years since the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team won a tournament in South Africa, tears of joy flowed on the cheeks of our heroes as they defeated the USA rugby sevens team in the cup final of the Capetown 7s tournament in South Africa by 29-15 early this morning.
Their first and most challenging obstacle during the tournament was the semi-final when they played the favourites South Africa with the crowded Blitzboks diehard fans who watched in despair as the home team failed to reach the final going down to Fiji 17-12.
An emotional moment for Fiji 7s team coach Gareth Baber as he tried to recall the last time Fiji has ever won a tournament in South Africa.
“It’s been a long time coming here for the Fijians to win in Cape Town. We were disappointed last week that we didn’t manage to perform to the level that we have done this week and that’s what makes me proud that these boys have done everything for families back home and obviously for Fiji and the Lord as well,” said Baber.
Braving the Springboks fans as they cheered for South Africa in the semi-final, the three new players in the Fijian line-up Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Filimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba stood their ground giving the South Africans a tough and physical battle that caused a lot of errors for the hosts and even with a man down the Fijians managed to score the winning try in the last seconds of the match after they were tied 12-all.
Meanwhile, Filimoni Botitu was awarded the HSBC man of the final.
The next leg will be held in Hamilton, New Zealand on January 26-27, 2018.
Fiji is in Pool A with Argentina, Australia and Wales.
